Join us tonight as I welcome several other YouTubers onto the livestream to talk about plans for next week.
★★★Support This Channel and Help Spread the Word about Ham Radio★★★
📸 Email List sign-up – http://hamradio2.com/email-signup
📸Text Messaging sign-up http://hamradio2.com/textme
📸Shop Our Sponsors and Coupons: https://www.livefromthehamshack.tv/affiliates-and-deals/
📸Looking for an HT Antenna Upgrade? https://signalstuff.com/products/#signalsticks?ref=3200
📸Looking for the BEST Digital Interface for your HF Radio? https://digirig.net/product/digirig-dr-891/p/1/
✅PATREON: http://hr2.li/7xziu
✅Shop our Products: http://www.shop.hamradio2.com
✅Shop our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradio2.0
Commissions can be earned on Affiliate Links
📻 Shop Our Sponsors 📻
R&L Electronics – https://www.randl.com
Buy Two Way Radios – http://hr2.li/7q211
⚡Bridgecom Systems – http://hr2.li/qpfgp
🧰 Save 20% off of everything at https://hamradioprep.com with the code JASON20
FlexRadio – https://flexradio.com
BaofengTech – https://baofengtech.com
—————————————————————————–
Mail: 2150 W. Northwest Highway STE114-1163, Grapevine TX 76051
Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #kc5hwb #hamcation
I Forgot One Critical Thing When Building This HF Station - Black Friday Station 3
I built a complete portable HF ham radio station using only Black Friday deals, then did something I always recommend others do: I ate my own dog food.
That’s when I ran into a problem I didn’t fully think through – See Below.
👉 Black Friday Deals Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx3caRwSKzU
👉 Video #1 (The Bag and the Tablet): https://youtu.be/RCm0qUJvANo
👉 Video #2 (The Radio and the Battery): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEihmlBh988
👉 Ultimate Ham Problem Solver, The NanoVNA F V2: https://geni.us/JGSqUGz
👉 Case for any NanoVNA: https://geni.us/uXTsu
👉 Open Ham Clock: https://openhamclock.com
The Xiegu G106 HF transceiver does not have a built-in SWR meter, and without one, there’s no obvious way to tune an antenna safely or correctly. Pair that with a portable vertical antenna like the Radioddity HF-009, and suddenly a “simple” setup isn’t so simple anymore.
So… now what?
In this video, I walk through:
• Why SWR matters when tuning HF antennas
• What happens when your radio has no SWR meter
• How to tune an HF antenna without a built-in meter
• Using a NanoVNA as a practical, low-cost solution
• Real-world portable HF tuning in the field
• Making contacts after tuning to prove it works
This is not a lab demo or a perfect setup. This is a real portable HF station, built on a budget, tuned in the field, with the same constraints new hams and portable operators actually face.
🔧 Gear & Concepts Covered
• Portable HF antennas
• Vertical antennas with ground radials
• Antenna resonance vs SWR
• NanoVNA antenna analysis
• HF antenna tuning without a tuner
• Field-deployable ham radio setups
• Beginner mistakes (yes, even experienced hams make them)
💬 Let’s Make the Comments Useful
At the end of the video, I ask a simple question:
If this were your station, how would YOU solve this problem?
Not “you should have…”
Not hindsight quarterbacking
Just constructive solutions, alternatives, and ideas that help everyone running portable HF, QRP rigs, or budget stations.
📚 Part of the Black Friday Ham Station Series
This is BF Station #3, part of an ongoing series where I build, test, and operate a complete ham radio station using Black Friday and budget gear only—then actually put it on the air.
If you’re new to HF, portable ops, POTA, SOTA, or just trying to build a station that actually works, this series is for you.
👍 If This Helped
• Like the video so others can find it
• Subscribe for more real-world ham radio content
• Drop your solution or tuning method in the comments
Mistakes are only failures if you don’t learn from them—and ham radio is way more fun when we solve problems together.
73 👋
Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe
👉 Support The Channel 👈
❤️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temporarilyoffline
📺 Youtube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/temporarilyoffline/join
💸 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🛒 Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/temporarilyoffline
📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068
⚡ Meter I use in my videos: https://kaiweets.com/?sca_ref=2859744.05ZtMxNK23
👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline
Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.
👉 APRS Day Out: https://app.simplenote.com/publish/ygcJHq
Click the 👍 Like Button, 🤡 Leave a Comment, ❤️ Subscribe
👉 Support The Channel 👈
❤️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/temporarilyoffline
📺 Youtube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/temporarilyoffline/join
💸 Tip Jar: https://paypal.me/temporarilyoffline
🛒 Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/temporarilyoffline
📻 Use Code TO15 for $15 off at Radioddity: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bpajyqft
🖍️ How I make my Thumbnails: https://partner.canva.com/c/3622632/647168/10068
⚡ Meter I use in my videos: https://kaiweets.com/?sca_ref=2859744.05ZtMxNK23
👉 Fun Stuff 👈
🫵 We want YOU on TOADs Discord: https://discord.gg/97tkMEc
🕊️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiloMike9Golf
😸 Github: https://github.com/TemporarilyOffline
Where possible, all links are affiliate links, this youtube thing is an expensive endeavor and every little bit helps.
Looking for the best HF radios under $1000? In this video, we’ll be reviewing and comparing some of the top HF radios available in the market right now, all priced under $1000. Whether you’re a seasoned ham radio operator or just starting out, this video will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right HF radio for your needs. From portable and mobile units to base station models, we’ll cover it all. Tune in to find out which HF radios offer the best performance, features, and value for your money. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one, but our review will guide you through the process and help you find the perfect HF radio for your ham radio adventures.
👉👉 Join The Ham Radio Project Discord: https://discord.gg/bgpwE5WF9p 👈👈
👍Join this channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJlIoWR3mf7apfB1dXS97A/join
👍Support TheSmokinApe Channel on Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/TheSmokinApe
🔥🔥🔥 Get your Ham Radio License using Ham Radio Prep:
https://www.HamRadioPrep.com/?rfsn=8915836.d56e74
USE CODE "SmokinApe" for 20% OFF
If you liked this video you can see more like it here:
👍http://www.youtube.com/TheSmokinApe
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram:
👍http://www.twitter.com/TheSmokinApe
👍http://www.instagram.com/TheSmokinApe
Why We Buy New Radios (When the Old One Still Works)
Why do we really buy new radios? It’s rarely because the old one stopped working. We all have excuses – and that’s fine.
But sometimes, if we’re honest, we’re hoping a new radio might make us feel how we felt at the very beginning… when RF first surprised us.
In this video, I talk about what originally hooked me, why that first spark can never quite be repeated, and where the magic actually lives now. This isn’t about brands or reviews – it’s about curiosity, discovery, and why this hobby still matters long after the first radio.
I’d love to hear your story too. What was the moment that hooked you?
Why Warranties Matter: Manufacturing Flaws & Customer Service #shorts
Bad batches happen. Even in perfect production runs, defects occur. Warranties exist to protect you. Companies with strong warranties and customer service deserve your business.
👉 Full Video: https://youtu.be/wMxuWOZV41M
Today’s Station:
👉 ATU-10 QRP Antenna Tuner: https://geni.us/oCQUdmi
$69.99 with coupon code: BG8d68fb
First 50 Customers
I will be attempting a POTA activation with my Mizuho 15 meter QRP radio. I need a good antenna and some other bits to make this all work! Let’s assemble the kit tonight!
https://testwithhrcc.online/
Links from the show:
Continue support for Ham Study and Exam Tools: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=622
Raspberry Pi: https://amzn.to/49J7JeE
Nooelec SDR: https://amzn.to/49J4ync
Wifi Adpater: https://amzn.to/4bBPM4e
iNTERCEPT: https://github.com/smittix/intercept
uConsole: https://www.clockworkpi.com/uconsole
HackGadgets: https://hackergadgets.com/
Modern Morse Keys: https://www.modernmorse.com/
EEVblog BM786: https://amzn.to/4jrOXwX
EEVblog 1980s Pocket Multimeter: https://eevblog.store/products/eevblog-1980s-pocket-multimeter
CHUWI 2in1 Laptop: https://amzn.to/49iUIsd
Milwaukee Fastback 6IN1: https://amzn.to/4aDjCoH
SmallRig Folding Tool: https://amzn.to/3YSftpA
Small attenuator set: https://amzn.to/49pc4Uk
Portable Radio Hard Case: https://amzn.to/3N11onm
VGC BMH-88 Hand Mic: https://www.verotelecom.com/Bluetooth-Speaker-Micrphone-For-N-Series-Two-Way-Radios-p2681834.html?
Gameboy Upgrade Kits: https://handheldlegend.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7RgpcZUCfPPn7M5nbviK63TLFw01E6EwBbO1j_9TSeL9xG9MD
Olight ArkPro: https://www.olight.com/store/arkpro-series-flat-edc-flashlight
The teaspoon telegraph key: https://ympt.co.uk/teaspoontx.html
Recommendations from the show:
As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases
—————————————————————————————————————————
📻 Find the radio you want today at DXEngineering: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/o472VO
📡 You can get $10 off the VGC VN-N76 using the code "josh" here: https://www.verotelecom.com/VR-N76-Dual-Band-Handheld-Radio-p2511333.html?
📡 Wouxun HTs: HTs: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/?
$15 off at Radioddity when you use the code JOSHNASS ona G90 or Baofeng Mini https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bkobuwhc
🔋 Batteries: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/kOmnJd
🔋 Solar: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/Qj5q23
📻 Want the best HT antenna? Signal Stuff Signal Stick https://signalstuff.com/?ref=622
🚶♂️ Big list of ham radio hiking gear: https://amzn.to/4ojAxQP
🔋 W0AEZ Battery: https://w0aez.com/discount/hrcc5?ref=hrcc
📡 The POTA-20 mast: https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=JOSH
📡 Lil’ Dude Mast: https://www.hamradiodude.com/
📶 TH-DD74 B.B.Link: https://islandmagic.co/products/bb-link-adapter
📡 My Big List of No-Regret Gear: https://amzn.to/415oY6s
📡 My Favorite ham radio portable gear items! Check out Gigaparts for 2x the points off the gear I use the most!
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=JOSH
📡 I recommend the Ed Fong J-Pole? https://www.kbcubed.com/DBJ-2H-Amateur-Ham-2m-70cm-Dual-Band-Portable-Rollup-Antenna-by-Ed-Fong-p406009746cmid=amsreGRvTmttM0k9&afid=Mkx1eE1uN2M0S1k9&ats=bHNrMHVhZ3lZcjQ9
📡 Chameleon Antennas make the most robust antennas on the market, check them out here: https://chameleonantenna.com?bg_ref=99VqhYXETt
📻 Support Ham Radio Crash Course Content 📻
————————————————————————
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/hoshnasi (includes monthly newsletter, stickers and Patron perks)
📸YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse/membership (includes early access to videos, membership YT badge and custom emojis)
Shop HamTactical: http://www.hamtactical.com
Shop Our Affiliates: http://hamradiocrashcourse.com/affiliates/
Shop Our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradiocrashcourse
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
★ FOLLOW ME HERE ★
🪩 Website http://hamradiocrashcourse.com
📸 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse
💻 Twitch https://m.twitch.tv/hamradiocrashcourse
Podcast https://hamradiocrashcourse.podbean.com/
💻 Discord https://discord.gg/xhJMxDT
📸 Facebook https://goo.gl/cv5rEQ
📸 Twitter https://X.com/Hoshnasi
📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/hamradiocrashcourse
📨 Physical Mail Josh Nass P.O Box 5101 Cerritos, CA 90703-5101
Music by Sonic D:
Soundcloud.com/sncd
Twitter.com/sncd
Facebook.com/djsonicd
Catching Up with Carlos, While he is still on the ground
Catching Up with Carlos @LifeAtTerminalVelocity While he is still on the ground
New Tanker Radio Gear:
New Tank Radio Pillow – https://www.etsy.com/listing/4295008136/tank-radio-pillow-for-amateur-radio
New Tank Radio Black Out T Shirt – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-black-out-t-shirt-on-demand-order
Tank US Band Plan Pad – https://quirkyqrphamradios.etsy.com/listing/1657938891
Hoodies – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/products/tank-radio-hoodie-limited-time
Boonie Hats – https://www.gigaparts.com/tank-radio-logo-boonie-hat.html
Sticker Pack – https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/combo-packs/products/tank-radio-official-sticker-pack
Help support me by:
RollerCam Website – https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=ml&merchant_link_id=6e7562a0-f7b0-4d9a-b15e-25ce3aedb94a&website_id=16611296-f891-4f8b-8010-5fa29c2cab5f
5% off selected Items at Gigaparts- https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=KG5AHJ%20INFLUENCER%20PAGE
5% off at Alpha Antenna – https://www.alphaantenna.com/?aff=20
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/TankRadio
Buy Me a Beer: https://buymeacoffee.com/TankRadio
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TankRadio
Amazon affiliate:https://amzn.to/3Zlhjzn
Tank Radios T-Shirt : https://grapevineamateurradio.com/collections/youtubers-bunch/products/tank-radio-short-sleeve-t-shirt-special-order
Follow me on:
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/5gGCq4wY8n Channel Tank Radio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KG5AHJ
Winlink is one of the best ways to communicate over ham radio during an emergency. Tonight @KM4ACK and I will show you some of the advanced tactics to get on the air.
Socal Linux Expo is coming up March 5-8, 2026. 60% off tickets with code: HRCC https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/23x/blog/ham-ratechdio-training
Links from the show:
Continue support for Ham Study and Exam Tools: https://signalstuff.com/?ref=622
Raspberry Pi: https://amzn.to/49J7JeE
Nooelec SDR: https://amzn.to/49J4ync
Wifi Adpater: https://amzn.to/4bBPM4e
iNTERCEPT: https://github.com/smittix/intercept
uConsole: https://www.clockworkpi.com/uconsole
HackGadgets: https://hackergadgets.com/
Modern Morse Keys: https://www.modernmorse.com/
EEVblog BM786: https://amzn.to/4jrOXwX
EEVblog 1980s Pocket Multimeter: https://eevblog.store/products/eevblog-1980s-pocket-multimeter
CHUWI 2in1 Laptop: https://amzn.to/49iUIsd
Milwaukee Fastback 6IN1: https://amzn.to/4aDjCoH
SmallRig Folding Tool: https://amzn.to/3YSftpA
Small attenuator set: https://amzn.to/49pc4Uk
Portable Radio Hard Case: https://amzn.to/3N11onm
VGC BMH-88 Hand Mic: https://www.verotelecom.com/Bluetooth-Speaker-Micrphone-For-N-Series-Two-Way-Radios-p2681834.html?
Gameboy Upgrade Kits: https://handheldlegend.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7RgpcZUCfPPn7M5nbviK63TLFw01E6EwBbO1j_9TSeL9xG9MD
Olight ArkPro: https://www.olight.com/store/arkpro-series-flat-edc-flashlight
The teaspoon telegraph key: https://ympt.co.uk/teaspoontx.html
Recommendations from the show:
As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases
—————————————————————————————————————————
📻 Find the radio you want today at DXEngineering: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/o472VO
📡 You can get $10 off the VGC VN-N76 using the code "josh" here: https://www.verotelecom.com/VR-N76-Dual-Band-Handheld-Radio-p2511333.html?
📡 Wouxun HTs: HTs: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/?
$15 off at Radioddity when you use the code JOSHNASS ona G90 or Baofeng Mini https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=bkobuwhc
🔋 Batteries: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/kOmnJd
🔋 Solar: https://dxengineering.pxf.io/Qj5q23
📻 Want the best HT antenna? Signal Stuff Signal Stick https://signalstuff.com/?ref=622
🚶♂️ Big list of ham radio hiking gear: https://amzn.to/4ojAxQP
🔋 W0AEZ Battery: https://w0aez.com/discount/hrcc5?ref=hrcc
📡 The POTA-20 mast: https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=JOSH
📡 Lil’ Dude Mast: https://www.hamradiodude.com/
📶 TH-DD74 B.B.Link: https://islandmagic.co/products/bb-link-adapter
📡 My Big List of No-Regret Gear: https://amzn.to/415oY6s
📡 My Favorite ham radio portable gear items! Check out Gigaparts for 2x the points off the gear I use the most!
https://www.gigaparts.com/nsearch/?lp=JOSH
📡 I recommend the Ed Fong J-Pole? https://www.kbcubed.com/DBJ-2H-Amateur-Ham-2m-70cm-Dual-Band-Portable-Rollup-Antenna-by-Ed-Fong-p406009746cmid=amsreGRvTmttM0k9&afid=Mkx1eE1uN2M0S1k9&ats=bHNrMHVhZ3lZcjQ9
📡 Chameleon Antennas make the most robust antennas on the market, check them out here: https://chameleonantenna.com?bg_ref=99VqhYXETt
📻 Support Ham Radio Crash Course Content 📻
————————————————————————
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/hoshnasi (includes monthly newsletter, stickers and Patron perks)
📸YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse/membership (includes early access to videos, membership YT badge and custom emojis)
Shop HamTactical: http://www.hamtactical.com
Shop Our Affiliates: http://hamradiocrashcourse.com/affiliates/
Shop Our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamradiocrashcourse
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
★ FOLLOW ME HERE ★
🪩 Website http://hamradiocrashcourse.com
📸 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioCrashCourse
💻 Twitch https://m.twitch.tv/hamradiocrashcourse
Podcast https://hamradiocrashcourse.podbean.com/
💻 Discord https://discord.gg/xhJMxDT
📸 Facebook https://goo.gl/cv5rEQ
📸 Twitter https://X.com/Hoshnasi
📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/hamradiocrashcourse
📨 Physical Mail Josh Nass P.O Box 5101 Cerritos, CA 90703-5101
Music by Sonic D:
Soundcloud.com/sncd
Twitter.com/sncd
Facebook.com/djsonicd
Most people think YouTube videos sound bad because of microphones, compression, or creators doing something wrong.
Often, it isn’t.
In this video I’m talking about the viewer side of YouTube – the things you control but probably never touch. Audio choices. Playback speed. Subtitles – including moving them so they don’t get in the way.
These aren’t tricks or hacks. They’re just tools that already exist, quietly improving the experience if you let them.
A small change to how you listen can make a bigger difference than new speakers, headphones, or blaming the algorithm.
Watch it properly.
Use the controls.
Enjoy the video.
